Healthy Pet ClinicJamie Pomilio-Mulcahy, president and co-founder of the Shamrock Animal Fund, talks about the first of three Healthy Pet Clinics on Sunday at St. Lucy's Church in Syracuse. The clinic provided inexpensive veterinarian care, vaccinations and flea/tick treatment to 150 animals on Sunday. Since 2011, the clinics have helped more than 1,500 animals in Syracuse.

The mother of two works at a salon, and says her income isn't always steady. "It's hard," she said.

Sunday, Alexander and her 3-year-old son, Jaxson, brought their 7-year-old beagle, Snoop, to the Healthy Pet Clinic at St. Lucy's Auditorium in Syracuse for his first vaccinations since 2006.

Snoop was among some 150 dogs and cats that lined up with their owners for hours Sunday to see volunteer veterinarians, receive rabies and distemper vaccinations, have their nails clipped, and receive treatment for fleas and ticks, if needed. The cost: $10.

"It helps a lot of people," Alexander said of the clinic.

The Shamrock Animal Fund, a non-proft that raises money and helps with the cost of veterinary care for animals in need, organized the clinic Sunday. It is the first of three clinics to be held this fall at St. Lucy's Church auditorium.

"The more people we can help help their animals stay healthy in a bad economy (the fewer) animals that potentially could be surrendered to a shelter," said Jamie Pomilio-Mulcahy, president and co-founder of the Shamrock Animal Fund.

Organizers opened the doors early Sunday since city of Syracuse residents started lining up on Gifford Street with their pets at 10 a.m. -- three hours before the clinic was set to begin. By 2 p.m., more than 100 people were waiting in line.

"(Waiting in line) is worth it so the dog can get its shots," said Noah Lazore, who waited with his 15-year-old niece and her dog for about four hours. Niketa Lazore said she purchased the pitbull she named Baeling on Saturday.

Brittany House, 20, and her uncle, Paul Bailey, 43, both brought dogs to get their vaccinations. Last year, Bailey said he had to borrow money from his mother to pay for an $800 veterinary bill after his son's Boston Terrier, Homer, needed to be treated for parvovirus.

The clinics, which have helped more than 1,500 animals since they began in 2011, are offered to city residents who make less than $25,000, or households earning less than $40,000.

Volunteer veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as students and staff from Cornell University's Veterinary Hospital Shelter Medicine Program, examined the dogs and cats. Food, leashes and collars, as well as information on how to get an animal spayed or neutered was available. City of Syracuse employees also had dog licenses available at the event for an additional cost.

Pomilio-Mulcahy and her husband, Matt Mulcahy, a WSTM-TV (Channel 3) news anchor and managing editor, co-founded the Shamrock Animal Fund after their 19-year-old poodle, Shamrock, died in 2010.

"In the last year of Shamrock's life, we spent a lot of time and money at the vet," Pomilio-Mulcahy said. "We witnessed pet owners in the lobby visibly upset, not only because their pet was ill but because vet care is expensive and not all pet owners can afford the care."

The couple, who lives in Fayetteville, said the clinics are just one way they can help pet owners who can't otherwise afford veterinary care. Clinics are offered at St. Lucy's in the fall and at Assumption Church in the spring to help some of the lowest-income residents and families take care of their animals, Matt Mulcahy said. He also said there are problems with strays, animal cruelty and lack of basic veterinary care.

"There's a huge demand for affordable veterinary care in our community," he said.

Mary O'Shea, 32, said she appreciates the clinics. She is a stay-at-home mother of five children, ages 4 to 14. Her family lives on the west side of Syracuse, and has a dog and three cats.

"You call around to the different vets and they want $74 to $100 for just a visit, not including the shots," O'Shea said. "It's a lot with five kids. I can't shell out $100. I have to buy the kids' clothes and shoes, food, and bills."

If you go

What: Healthy Pet Clinics

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 and Nov. 10

Where: St. Lucy's Church auditorium, 425 Gifford St.

Cost: $10 per animal

Details: Pet owners need to bring documentation of financial need. Individuals must make less than $25,000 annually and households less than $40,000. Proof of income includes a tax return or a New York state benefit card. Proof of address is required to show the pet owner lives in Syracuse.

Owners need to bring past veterinary and vaccination records. Cats must be in carriers. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled. No aggressive dogs.